GOOD NEWS MONDAY AFFIRMATIONS

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I deserve to be in perfect health.

I am glowing with health and wholeness.

I love nutritious & healthy whole foods.

I am highly motivated to exercise my body daily, and I love it.

Post Title → GOOD NEWS MONDAY AFFIRMATIONS

BOO TO ECZEMA



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I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m gonna have to up my raw food & vegan food intake. And when I say “up” it, I mean by a good bit. I have been fighting bouts of eczema on my legs (and arms) for awhile. While I was on Carolyn Akens “Body Rejuvenation Detox” program, I could see it calming and diminishing a whole lot. Almost went away. Oh, but of course, since I ended it, it’s crept back up and out in full swing as if it wants to be seen this spring and summer. Not happy about it and I’m not having it.


I’m trying not to get bummed about it ‘cause I really wanna wear some cute spring/summer dresses & shorts but my legs are making me wanna hide. Now I do understand (and know) that I can get a great makeup artist to airbrush my legs until they are back to a healthy norm. If anyone knows how to cover up unsightly blemishes please share.

I first noticed it a year or so ago, after using a certain product. I eventually put that product to rest. But ever since, it’s been a battle. And trust, I’ve been doing every external natural product like stinky Neem oil, ACV juice and my own blend of essential oils in shea butter. They’re just not doing it. And I am one who believes that your nutrition plays a major part in your wellness. So ultimately, I understand that I gotta go back to eating 100% vegan; raw vegan all day and clean vegan at night. Kinda makes me angry cause I count myself as a bit of a foodie but it is what it is. And I gotta do what I gotta do.

Honestly, with the warmer weather hitting, I want to get out and socialize more. And along with this, I envisioned myself eating & drinking whatever I want. Again, basically being a bit of a foodie. But that will have to be shelved for a little while. And I’m okay with that. Besides, I had planned on doing extended periods of eating all vegan. Though I must admit, this will help me get to where I want to be in my diet lifestyle and while training for the Peachtree Road Race. So I’m getting with it with a smile.


In the meantime, I’m taking all suggestions on how to do coverage (makeup) on legs.

Post Title → BOO TO ECZEMA

OIL PULLING.... HAVEN'T TRIED THIS ONE YET BUT.......



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Oil pulling.... I've heard and read so much about it but have yet to give it a try. Not sure why I'm dragging my feet on it. Maybe it's the vision (and fear) of having Castor oil in my mouth. I always go back to old cartoons and shows where a kid is forced to take it and after having it shoved into their mouth, they immediately run outside, lean over a fence (or similar) and chuck it back up.

Well, I'm trying to work past that vision. It's a very old Aryuvedic method of detox and healing that supposedly works on the root cause of whatever ailment, disease and such that you may be suffering from. According to my source, it is not an overnight treatment. It takes times to work its wonders.


THE METHOD

In the morning before breakfast on an empty stomach you take one tablespoon in the mouth but do not swallow it. Move Oil Slowly in the mouth as rinsing or swishing and Dr Karach puts it as ' sip, suck and pull through the teeth' for fifteen to twenty minutes. This process makes oil thoroughly mixed with saliva. Swishing activates the enzymes and the enzymes draw toxins out of the blood. The oil must not be swallowed, for it has become toxic. As the process continues, the oil gets thinner and white. If the oil is still yellow, it has not been pulled long enough. It is then spit from the mouth , the oral cavity must be thoroughly rinsed and mouth must be washed thoroughly. Just use normal tap water and good old fingers to clean.



Clean the sink properly, you can use some antibacterial soap to clean the sink. Because the spittle contains harmful bacteria and toxic bodily waste. If one were to see one drop of this liquid magnified 600 times under a microscope, one would see microbes in their first stage of development.


It is important to understand that during the oilpulling / oilswishing process one's metabolism is intensified. This leads to improved health. One of the most striking results of this process is the fastening of loose teeth, the elimination of bleeding gums and the visible whitening of the teeth.


The oil pulling /swishing is done best before breakfast. To accelerate the healing process, it can be repeated three times a day, but always before meals on an empty stomach.

NOTE: The recommended oils to use are cold-pressed Sunflower Oil, Sesame Oil.

 WHAT OIL PULLING DOES
 
The simplicity of this healing system in which Oil is swirled backwards and forwards in the mouth, is due to the stimulating effect which it has on the body's eliminatory system.



Through this method it is possible to heal individual cells, cell conglomerates such as lymph nodes and more complex tissues such as internal organs simultaneously. This occurs because the beneficial microflora throughout the body are provided with a healthy continuum. Without this natural bodily intrusive element evinced by the microflora the usual pattern of human health tends to lean towards illness rather than wellness.

You can read more and watch videos on oil pulling at OilPulling.com.
 
I do plan on giving this a try. I think I can deal with swishing Sunflower or Sesame oil in my mouth for 20 minutes.
 
What about you? Have any of you tried this or are currently using this method?...

Post Title → OIL PULLING.... HAVEN'T TRIED THIS ONE YET BUT.......

I LIKE IT!! I LIKE IT!!

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Hello Beautiful Ones,

I know it's only been a few days since I've started this "new thing" but I have to admit that I've got some pretty strong feelings for it already. "For what", you might be asking. Oil cleansing.

I swear I've been a sitting skeptic on this for about a year now. Despite all the talk, I expected to see pimples & blemishes galore if I tried it out. But alas, I had to let my reservations go and at least give it a try. Its been about 4 days since I've started and I have yet to see any of the negative things that I expected. Of course, I was thinking that cleaning my face with oil would only clog up my pores. Boy was I wrong. Did you know that you can use this against acne? Damn, I'm late.

I'm so glad I began to try it. I'm very pleased with the results thus far. And what I'm loving most about oil cleansing is that it's an effective, chemical-free way to remove makeup. Including waterproof makeup. Yes.

So let me share with you the oil cleansing method per the Oil Cleansing Method site.

We will need two oils. The first, and most importantly, is Castor Oil. If you don't have this medicine cabinet staple already, it can be found online or in the laxative section of your grocer or drugstore - usually bottom shelf. Castor Oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties, but is also healing and cleansing, which is why we're focusing on this oil as our primary oil. Castor Oil has been the focus of many books and medical discussion because of its seemingly "magical" healing properties. As quoted in The Oil That Heals by Dr. McGarey, he states, "Castor oil will leave the body in better condition than it found it." Though it may be our most important oil, we won't be using it in the amounts that we will the other oil (or combination of oils for those who want to take this a step further). A little bit of Castor Oil goes a long way and too much will leave you, surprisingly, with dry skin.

Castor Oil

Since Castor Oil is so thick and its cleansing properties so strong, we need to dilute it with another oil, thinner in consistency, but no less nurturing to the skin. Sunflower Seed Oil has become my personal favorite, though in the past, I've suggested Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Both are wonderfully caring oils for skin application, but I've found that Sunflower Seed Oil has a more luxurious feel for massage. It sinks into the skin better, aiding the castor oil in transportation deep into the pores and allowing it to draw the dirt and grime to the surface of your skin where it can be wiped away. The essential fatty acids, though they are not naturally occurring in the body, are a necessity for the health of our cell membranes. These acids help restore the skins natural moisture balance and help prevent unnecessary dryness. The secondary oil that you choose is entirely up to you and should be determined by your skins needs and the properties of that oil. Choose from natural, cold-pressed vegetable oils, as these have nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids that mineral oil and other refined oils don't. You may even have these oils in your kitchen, as they're used for cooking, as well! For the sake of explaination, from this point on, we'll say "Sunflower Seed Oil" in place of "Secondary Oil." Remember that Sunflower Seed Oil may be replaced by your vegetable oil of choice.


The Oil Cleansing Method



First and foremost, this is typically done in the evening, prior to bed. There should be no need for deep cleansing in the morning if you're waking up with skin cleansed the night before. In the morning, a quick wipe with a warm washcloth should suffice. We don't want to overcleanse our skin as this will serve only to irritate and cause more oil production. The objective of using this method is to deep clean while balancing our skins oil production at the same time.




You'll need a soft washcloth, your oil blend, and hot, running water.


Pour a generous puddle of oil into the palm of your hand. Roughly, the size of a quarter, but more is acceptable. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and smooth over your face.


Begin massaging the oil into your face. This will remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities, so there is no need to use a makeup remover or wash your face prior to the massage. I've found that this removes even my stubborn waterproof mascara and concealor.


Using slow, firm motions across the skin, massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas. You want the oil to work into your pores so that blackheads and the like can be dissolved and steamed away.


As you're massaging, let your mind drift off to something calming and breathe deeply. Take this time to relax and release some of the stress that your body is harboring. Sit down, breathe deeply, and take your time. Give the oil enough time to work on dissolving the impurities in your pores and give yourself enough time to unwind. Picture what your face would look like if it were completely clear and free from blemishes. Focus on that image and know that it is attainable. Trust that it is attainable. Accept that it is attainable. You can have clear skin, free of blemishes and you will have clear skin, free of blemishes. Focus on perfect skin and breathe deeply.


Once you're satisfied that your pores are saturated and you're feeling calm, pick up your washcloth and soak it in clean, steamy water. We want the water to be warm enough to open your pores and remove the oil. Cool water will not open your pores, nor will it remove the oil efficiently. We're not scalding our skin, we're steaming to coax our pores to release the oil carrying the impurities. We're essentially steaming our skin as an esthetician would, but without the luxury of a steam machine.

hot towel example

Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. You will feel your pores releasing the impurities. Wipe the oil gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth to your face again, allowing it to cool. Wipe gently, rinse well, and repeat two or three more times. Avoid any temptation to scrub, as you'll find it's completely unnecessary and your skin will be soft, smooth, and free of flakes without the additional manual exfoliation and irritation that will result. Impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria will be gently swept away.


Have no fear of the oil, as the steamy washcloth will remove it. The Castor Oil, though it is an oil, will help with the removal of the other oils, as well. It is our main cleansing oil and is easily removed with warm water.




If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your oil blend, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it onto your damp skin. Gently massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Your skin should now glow!

Some suggestions for your own personal blend:

Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil.

Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Sunflower Seed Oil.

Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Sunflower Seed Oil.

If you've been hip to this longer than I have, please share with us how long, what oils you use and any other info you'd like to add.

Post Title → I LIKE IT!! I LIKE IT!!

CRAZY SEXY DIET REMEDIES

Hi Gorgeous Ones!

I am currently engrossed in reading Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet book. This is an awesome book that had a timely release in to helping me continue my personal journey with the foods I eat and lifestyle. You can read about her journey starting with how she used to eat and live to finding out she had an incurable cancer to how she chose to take back her life by changing her eating and lifestyle. She's funny and keeps it 100 all the way. Love her delivery. You can read more about Kris and her books & film on her website, CrazySexyCancer.com.

I honestly had no intention of doing a book review because I haven't finished reading it yet. But I just couldn't resist talking about this book and had to share a couple of home remedies that she put in there that I am so onto trying.

Detoxing Heavy Metals
1 to 2 C of Epsom salts
1/4 C of Baking Soda
a dash of lavender

Add to bathwater, soak & luxuriate.

According to Kris, this is a "great remedy is for detoxing heavy metals and radiation. Helps to soothe skin rashes, psoriasis and eczema."


Vaginal/Bladder Infection Relief
1 to 2 C of (ACV) Apple Cider Vinegar

Add to bathwater and soak.

This remedy "can help to restore proper vaginal pH balance". ACV baths "help to combat unfriendly bacteria, fight fungal overgrowth, and ease the discomfort associated with vaginal and bladder infections." They are also "excellent for joint inflammation, arthritis and gout."

Post Title → CRAZY SEXY DIET REMEDIES

GOOD NEWS MONDAY AFFIRMATIONS

I release any limitations based on old negative thoughts. I joyfully look forward to future.

I am open to and accept miraculous occurrences in my life and in my world.

Miracles are abundant in my life.

Peace and blessings,

Post Title → GOOD NEWS MONDAY AFFIRMATIONS

DETOX UPDATE III - THE HOME STRETCH

Well peeps,

I'm in the home stretch of the detox. With 17 days of Carolyn Akens Body Rejuvenation Detox program under my belt and 4 more days to go. I'm armed with a sizable amount of leafy greens, fruits & veggies accompanied by some whole grains to make it thru the next few days.

I must say that I have enjoyed this journey. Although I can't say that I've missed one or two things that I was in the habit of having or just plain enjoyed. I can say that, for the most part, it has (and still does) feel great treating my body to nothing but good whole, clean foods. I love that feeling. I swear making a serious conscious effort to do right by your body is a form of love; self-love that I've never quite understood until now.

I've already planned out my juices & smoothies for the rest of my detox. And I'm really excited about them. I'll be trying some new combo's with veggies I've never juiced with before like cabbage & collards (tried for 1st time last week). I've done dishes with quinoa ("keen-wah") and steamed some veggies that I've never considered steamable. All in all, I'm having fun.

Anyhoo, I just wanted to drop in with a quick post on my detox experience so far. My full review/experience/results will be posted next Thursday.

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → DETOX UPDATE III - THE HOME STRETCH

GOOD NEWS MONDAY AFFIRMATIONS

I recognize my body as my good friend.

I breathe freely and fully. Breath is the basis of life.

I feed my body nourishing foods and beverages.

I radiate health, happiness, prosperity and peace of mind.

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → GOOD NEWS MONDAY AFFIRMATIONS

DETOX UPDATE II

A simple salad I made that was so delicious.

Woo hoo!! Hi Gorgeous!

Let me start by saying that I feel good. I really do. =)


*Forewarning: There will be some content in this post that you may consider tmi. Just so you know.*

For those of you who may not know, I'm on Carolyn Akens Body Rejuvenation Detox Program , which lasts for 21 days.  I am rounding out my 2nd week on it. Woo hoo!!

On to the details:

This past week has been much better than the end of last week. Let me give you a glimpse into the day-to-day detox happenings for me.

Thursday
Felt good. Noticed how my pooch (stomach) is going down. Felt nauseas later on. (Story on that coming later in post). Had a couple of foul-smelling loose stools. Felt better after eliminating though.

Friday
Woke up feeling better. Still experienced some slightly loose stools.

Saturday
Felt good. That is until another wave of nausea hit. Story on that coming later in post.

Sunday – Wednesday
Felt & feeling great! Great physically and emotionally. I’m more inclined to workout this week. And I’m amazed at the energy and vitality that I’m feeling. I really am. Not sure what I expected but, it’s like I want to run and keep on going.



Okay. So here’s the breakdown on my bouts with nausea:

I had to take my daughter somewhere after school. And with a limited window of time, she grabbed something from the fridge. A hotdog. Once the hotdog was ready, we hopped into the car to be on our way. As the car doors closed, I was engulfed in this serious hotdog aroma. At first, it smelled absolutely magnificent to me. I thought, “Oh God. That smells sooo good.” Not a minute later, I was thinking, “Oh God. That smells soooo.... awful.” It’s funny now but it was not a cute situation to be in. From that moment on, I felt horrible and just wanted to be home. About an hour & a half later, we finally got home and I commenced to drinking the lemon water. I even tried some fresh coconut juice I'd gotten from the Farmer’s Market. None of which helped. Eventually, I had the urge to use the bathroom which was exactly what I needed to do. Eliminate the toxins thru excrement that were jacking my body up. And so it happened and I felt much better.

Saturday’s instance was quite similar. A friend of mine was having a business event that I was determined to attend. Well, at least, show my face at. I couldn’t stay long because I had to pick up my daughter from her ever-time changing cheer practice. Little did I know that it was best that way. When I got to my friend’s home, they were still getting prepared for her event. Her sister was putting the finishing touches on her hair & makeup. Her hubby was in the kitchen frying up some chicken. Yes. That was it right there. I smelled it and thought, “Hmm, haven’t smelled that aroma in awhile.” You know the one, that home-fried chicken smell. Anyhoo, I was okay for most of the time that I was there. Even had a few pieces of fruit. But an interesting thing happened once I got in my car to go pick up my daughter. I noticed the fried chicken, or better yet, fried chicken grease aroma was still with me. It was in my coat and clothes. So as I’m driving in this closed-up car, I’m noticing this scent more and more. And not in a good way. Damn! Here we go again. So this time, I took it upon myself to purchase an enema to help the process. Cause I hate feeling like I need to hurl.

Needless to say, after all was said and done, I felt much better.

And oh…. I’ve now graduated to green, odorless poop. I know. Tmi.

Lol.

Post Title → DETOX UPDATE II

GOOD NEWS AFFIRMATIONS for the WEEK

One of my yummy green juices.

I nurture, respect and love my body.

I behave in ways that promote my health more and more every day.

I am healthy since my practices are healthy.

I keep my thoughts centered on what I wish to experience.

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → GOOD NEWS AFFIRMATIONS for the WEEK

IT'S DETOX TIME FOR C.O.

Hola Beautifuls!

I intended to get this post up earlier but wasn't feeling too hot. Let me tell you. Proper sleep and rest is VERY important.

Anyhoo... I hope everyone survived the holidays with little to no weight gain. I managed to come through without gaining weight. So I'm happy about that. I'm sure I could've trimmed down some more had I continued to work out consistently and lowered my holiday indulging some more. Am I upset about it? Not at all. I enjoyed my holidays.

Seeing as this is the New Year and I discussed going thru Carolyn Aken’s Body Rejuvenation Detox program as my Phase I of 2011. Read here where I talked about my plans. I’ll be starting on this coming Monday and ending 21 days later.  In all honesty, I was a little freaked after I committed to it. I went thru the Oh-my-God-What-have-I-done-Can I-really-do-this phase. And the short answer was and still is, “Yes.”

So after releasing the fear, I embraced this part of my journey. And now I’m looking forward to it. Actually, I’m kinda excited about it! And as part of this journey, I’ll be posting here every Thursday on my experience during this process. Partly, to help me stay through the process and hopefully to show others that it is doable.


Be sure to check out Carolyn Akens site. Her testimony is proof that you can achieve a healthy you. Plus she’s a sweetie.

What are your plans to finetune your health?....

Post Title → IT'S DETOX TIME FOR C.O.

I FINALLY TOOK THE PLUNGE...INTO KOMBUCHA

GT's Organic Raw Kombucha

 For a few years, I've read and heard about folks drinking up this "kombucha" thing. I've heard wonderful things about what it does for your digestion but also heard that it tastes...uh, a little "different". So after many, many, many months, I decided to take the plunge and give Kombucha tea a try.

I decided to pick up some GT's Organic Raw Kombucha drink a try. I chose this one because I read that it was 100% organic and raw. I ended up trying the botanic no.7 that has hisbiscus and ginger in it. I discovered that the "different" taste that it has is similiar to apple cider vinegar. So it wasn't a turn-off for me since I've been drinking ACV diluted in water. I actually kind of like it. They also have their Synergy line, which is 95% raw organic and  5%  real fruit juice. May give this one a try tomorrow just for kicks.

Let me provide some explanation as to why I had interest in this drink and chose to give it a try.

Sounds so mysterious.... Da heck is Kombucha?


Kombucha is a fermented beverage made of tea and bacteria cultures. For the last 2,000 years in Asia, families drank kombucha for its purported medicinal qualities. The special yeast and bacteria cultures are usually circulated person-to-person, although now mixtures can be purchased online. This homeopathic drink tastes tart but full-flavored, like carbonated apple cider. Kombucha recipes have travelled to Korea and Japan, from there to Russia, and finally reached Europe after WWI.

You must have a "mother brew" to cultivate kombucha, which is why originally it was handed down through generations of a family. Much like yogurt, a cup of kombucha can be reserved to make the next batch. This is because it is a living brew, with microorganisms that are beneficial to our digestive tract and others claim help other internal systems. The culture is not a fungus, as some report, but a mixture of bacteria and yeast that forms a gelatinous, yellowish substance.

While the health benefits of kombucha have not been officially evaluated as a medicine, many people have experienced positive effects from 1/2-2 cups (120-470 ml) a day. It's said to be calming, aid in digestion as the bacteria stays in our intestinal tract, ease the pain of arthritis, improve immunity, and lower cholesterol. A poultice of kombucha can be applied topically to sores as an antiseptic. Some people even drink kombucha to detoxify, as a part of an overall health strategy such as a vegan diet, a juice fast, or only eating raw food.

*above info from Wisegeek.com
 
What are the reported health benefits of kombucha?
 
First, there’s all the benefits of detoxification, such as healthy livers and cancer prevention. One of kombucha’s greatest health benefits is its ability to detox the body. It is rich in many of the enzymes and bacterial acids your body produces and/or uses to detox your system, thus reducing your pancreatic load and easing the burden on your liver. Kombucha is very high in Glucaric acid, and recent studies have shown that glucaric acid helps prevent cancer. I know 2 people in my immediate circle of friends who have had cancer (pancreatic and breast) and fought it into remission without any chemo or radiation therapy. Instead, they warded it off by detoxing their lives (going 100% organic, removing chemical cleaners and agents in their home, changing their diet to be at least 80% raw or fermented, etc.) Central to the detoxification process was drinking Kombucha regularly. Even Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the recently deceased Russian author and nobel-prize winner, in his autobiography, claimed that kombucha tea cured his stomach cancer during his internment in soviet labor camps. (And because of this testimony, President Reagan used Kombucha to halt the spread of his cancer in 1987. You’ll note he didn’t die until 2004, and that was from old age, NOT cancer.)


Next, there’s all the benefits of the glucosamines it contains, such as preventing or treating all forms of arthritis. Glucosamines increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. Hyaluronic acid functions physiologically to aid preservation of cartilage structure and prevent arthritic pain, with relief comparable to NSAIDs and advantage over glucocorticoids. Hyaluronic acid enables connective tissue to bind moisture thousands of times its weight and maintains tissue structure, moisture, lubrication and flexibility and lessens free radical damage, while associated collagen retards and reduces wrinkles.

Then, there’s all the benefits of the fact that it’s a probiotic beverage, such as improved digestion, fighting candida (harmful yeast) overgrowth, and the general health and well-being associated with this. As such, it’s noted for reducing or eliminating the symptoms of fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, etc.

Plus, it’s extraordinarily anti-oxidant rich, and you all know the benefits of anti-oxidants for boosting your immune system and energy levels.

*above info and more from FoodRenegade.com
 
Have any of you tried this type of beverage before or drink it on the regular?.....

Post Title → I FINALLY TOOK THE PLUNGE...INTO KOMBUCHA

UPDATE ON MY "FILL-IN-THE-BLANK" JOURNEY

Hi Lovelies!

Just wanted to update you all on my "fill-in-the-blank" journey. Click here to know what I'm talking about. Still haven't settled on an official title for this series. Lol.

Thanksgiving was Thanksgiving. And while I wasn't terrible at the table, i didn't exercise until this past Tuesday. Boo. Not good but it was what it was. needless to say, i remarkably still lost a couple more lbs. I can only attribute this loss to my continues green juices, ACV elixir, green teas and such. Or maybe my metabolism is up. Or could be both. I dunno. But I'll take it! So now, I'm down to the magic ten. Ten more lbs to lose, that is. Woo hoo!!

Now let me say this: Please know that was on the cornbread dressing, greens & sweet potato casserole (and pie). No regrets though. I had a great time with the fam. But now, its back to serious business.

On Tuesday, I broke out my trusty Gilad "Best of Bodies In Motion" dvd. An oldie but goldie that's a serious workout. On Wednesday, since I didn't make it to the gym, I worked out to Jillian's "30 Day Shred" dvd. I'm feelin' this one, too. And today, since I'm up late, I'll probably end up gettin' it in w/Gilad again. I enjoy going to the gym (I enjoy some comraderie with my workouts.) but sometimes it just doesn't work out like that. It's all good though. The most important thing is that I do get some exercise in.

To help keep me motivated, I've joined VeganFitMama's "Fit Plan Pre-2011". Check it out over at her blog, "Lovin Vegan Food, Fitness & Yoga". Who knows? You may want to join the fun. And no, you don't have to be vegan, 100% vegan, raw vegan, vegetarian or whatever. I'm definitely not 100% vegan. And honestly, I'm not trying to be right now. However, I do believe in it. And I believe in being fit & healthy, which for everyone, is not living a 100% raw vegan or 100% vegan lifestyle. But that's a whole 'nother post. =)

Anyhoo, I'm excited! And once I reach my goal weight, I have other health plans. Like following a 21-day vegan diet plan. Carolyn Akens has a "Body Rejuvenation Detox Program" that I've been itching to try. I haven't spoken with her yet about following her program but I'd love to feature my progess & journey with it right here on this blog. I also plan on doing the "Healthforce Healing Cleanse" sometime in the new year.

Yep! I've got plans. I'm serious about taking the best care of this body which I've been given. I'm serious about taking care of me. Cause guess what?.... I'm worth it.
                                                                            ..............And so are you.

So Beautifuls... what are you doing for your health? For your body? For you?
You are so worth it!

Hey!! Maybe that's what I'll name this series.... "BECAUSE I AM WORTH IT". Let me know what you think of this title. I believe I'm gonna roll with it. =)



{{Hugs}},

Post Title → UPDATE ON MY "FILL-IN-THE-BLANK" JOURNEY

MY REDEDICATION(?) JOURNEY

I recently got back on my journey to healthier, more fit me. As I mentioned here , I've had to rededicate myself to my original desired lifestyle. Chronicling this specific journey here on this blog will be part of the changes that I mentioned before.

So let’s start with my basics. My goal was/is to lose 20lbs. So far, I’ve lost 8 of those lbs, which is *sings like Oprah* “AWESOOMMME!!” I’m almost down to the magic ten. Woo hoo!!


What have I been doing to get there?.....

Well, first off, I made up my mind to do this. Nothing can be done, started or achieved without first making that concrete decision to do it. From there, I went back to the super affordable, highly doable Arden’s Garden two-day detox. Cost around $30. Because I cannot fathom doing a detox without it, I added green juices to the mix. Did I finish? Yes. Did I slip? Yes. But got right back on the wagon & kept it moving without judgment.

After doing this detox, I had more of a handle on my eating habits. On top of mainly eating whole unprocessed/low-processed foods, I’m doing a lot of juices & shakes (Vega Sport). I’m taking advantage of my stash of Healthforce Nutritionals Vitamineral Green. Awesome green powder! And I’ve also been using a couple more of their products that I found at the check-out line in a Whole Foods store.

Aren’t they adorable?... I took these pics so you could see how little they are in comparison to the regular bottle of Vitamineral Green. Anyhoo. Their “Fruits of the Earth” and “Earth” are the other foods I’m trying. I really am liking them both and hope to purchase them (and more) full-size one day.


I’ve also been taking my ass to the gym (and working it out at home) on the regular. I pretty much workout Tues-Fri. Soon, I’ll end up adding a weekend day for jogging. Gotta prepare for the Peachtree Road Race, Beh-bay!


Unfortunately, I have yet to get some colonics in. Just not in my budget right now. Maybe, I’ll start a “Colon Collection ” or “Colonics Fund”. Haha!!


Oh, I almost forgot! I’ve also begun taking daily swigs of ACV in distilled water. You can read about Apple Cider Vinegar and its benefits here.
 
During this time, I’ve begun to feel really energized. The sinus infection that was wreaking havoc on me is nearly a distant memory. Also, in thanks to New Chapters “Sinus Take Care” herbal defense. So I'm really feeling awesomely well. =)
 
I plan on posting about this aspect of my journey each week. Haven’t settled on a concrete title just yet. One of my fav jams is Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack”, so it could be a variation of that song title something like “Bringing Sexy Back”, “Bringing Healthy Back” or something totally different. 
I dunno. I’m so undecided on that.
 
What do you think?......


What do you think?......

Post Title → MY REDEDICATION(?) JOURNEY

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SINUSES

Okay Lovelies,

So I've been fighting the cooties. It's been frustrating because, as a mom (and a single mom at that), I don't have the time for it. It's simply no where to pencil it into my schedule.  I'm convinced that my cold-to-sinus issues are because I need to do a serious detox which I will get to. But til then, I've tried some other natural options to get rid of this crap. Seems like I've found a great help in the interim.

After tossing and turning damn near all night, I decided to hit up my personal library and break out The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood. I swear this needs to be in every household. Anyhoo, here's the recipe for sinusitis that I found and used.

Sinusitis

Rosemary     5 drops

Geranium      5 drops

Eucalyptus    2 drops

Peppermint   3 drops

Blend these together. And use 5 drops of that proportioned blend per teaspoon of vegetable oil.

Use 5 drops only in each massage. Massage around the neck, behind and in front of the ears, over the cheekbone, the nose and forehead.

This blend really opened me up. I love it. I've used this on top of proper rest, nasal spray (not quite feelin the neti pot just yet), proper food (no crap or junk) and keeping stressors to a minimum.

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SINUSES

OCTOBER HEROINE ENTREPRENEUR - SUNCEAR SCRETCHEN

DC Comics Hawkwoman

Heroine - 1. A woman noted for courage and daring action.


2. A woman noted for special achievement in a particular field. (from freedictionary.com)



Meet October's Heroine Entrepreneur..
 

...Suncear Scretchen

 
 
1 . Tell us about your business, products, services and what makes it special or unique.

As a Health Coach, in a nutshell, I help people lead healthier lifestyles. I specialize in women who suffer from thyroid disorders but I also work with anyone who wants to lose weight, gain energy and just feel better overall.

2 . How was it birthed?
Over 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease (which is a form of hypothyroidism) and
I knew it was because I was very unhappy in life at the time. That’s when the concept of balance
really took form for me. Taking care of yourself emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally
seemed to be the key to being healthy. However, I didn’t recognize it as a life purpose until I had a
challenging 2009. I knew I was on the wrong path in life so I became a certified Holistic Health Coach.

3 . How did you begin? What were the first steps that you took?
I enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (if you are interested in attending, please use me as
a reference.) Prior to that I started a blog on Conscious living (www.theconsciouschick.com) to help
establish myself as a health and wellness expert.

4 . Have you always been in this particular field? Do you have a history in this area?
I’ve always been pretty Conscious- even as a child- but like so many others, my emotional state dictated what I was consuming. It wasn’t until I left behind my 12 years of experience in the music industry that it became a passion. There’s not a lot of healthy living in the entertainment world :)

5 . How much support did you receive when you first started out?
Most people were behind my decision to pursue this as a career but you always have the skeptics who
point to the economy and say “this is a tough time to start a business.” They may be correct in some ways but I feel the timing is right for me.

6 . Is there anything that you wish you would have done or handled differently?
I wish I had pursued this sooner as a side gig. There is a national conversation going on right now
regarding health, obesity, insurance, etc. It’s great to be in the midst of it but competition is heating up.

7 . What was your biggest hurdle in developing and growing your business?
Not having the funds to hire the right people to take it to the next level- PR, Web Designer, etc. I had to do some of it myself and it’s very time-consuming.

8 . How did you stay motivated or what kept you motivated whenever you hit a bump/pothole in the
road or a difficult time?

Knowing that this is the path that I am supposed to be on has kept me going.

9 . There are quite a few women who are seeking to become a Holistic Health Coach. What advice
would you give them?
Be open to learning things about yourself as you help others. Have a genuine passion for health and wellness. And attend a school that helps you with setting up your business.

1 0 . Is there anything new & exciting that we can expect from your business in the future?

Ultimately, I envision having a wellness empire with a dessert line, books, films and most urgently,
Conscious beauty products. I will be launching a Conscious Chick organic cosmetic line featuring items like lip balm, face toners and perfumes in the near future.
I love it!! How exciting!

A personal note for Suncear:
Many thanks for agreeing to do this. I absolutely love what you've shared with us. Thanks for opening your life's book up to inspire us. You've certainly said some things that have touched me. I wish you great success with your wellness empire! And I'm certainly looking forward to your Conscious Chick organic cosmetic line!
{{Hugs}},


Find more information on Suncear Scretchen, Holistic Health Coach:
http://www.suncerewellness.com/
http://www.theconsciouschick.com/

Post Title → OCTOBER HEROINE ENTREPRENEUR - SUNCEAR SCRETCHEN

CAROLYN'S CORNER on ENERGY PRODUCING FOODS

Let's see what energy producing foods our monthly contributor, Carolyn Akens,  has to share with us....

Energy Producing Foods




Hot Foods: Cayenne, garlic, ginger, radishes, other hot peppers, etc. are great for digestion, circulation, inflammation, blood movers, etc. Fresh is best!


All raw nuts & seeds: High in essential fatty acids. 3-4 Brazil nuts per day, they prevent muscle loss, and help build muscle. Sunflower seeds are very high in B vitamins; they easily convert glycogen (stored energy) into glucose when needed.


Flax Seeds/Oil: Incredible Essential fat. Crucial for everyone, especially athletes.


Avocado: Extremely nutritious fat, aids in building muscle. Eat at least 3 per week.


Sea Salt: Not all sea salts are the same. A high quality one provides loads of trace and electrolyte minerals. Especially the minerals lost in sweat. A high quality sea salt starts digesting anything it touches and brings fluid balance inside the body. My favorites are Celtic Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan Pins Sea Salt.

Carolyn Akens is a gracious and lovely contributor of Carolyn's Corner here on ChocolateOrchid blogspot. Carolyn is also a certified master raw foods chef and instructor. She offers raw foods classes, raw foods chef and instructor certifications and a weight-loss program.

Carolyn is also the creator of the deliciously healthy Agape Nutrition Bars.

Agape Nutrition Bars™ is a "breakfast-on-the-go or a healthy snack anytime!"
http://agapenutritionbars.foodoro.com/store


Carolyn Akens contact info:

Website: Carolyns Raw Foods

Email: carolyn@carolynakens.com

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/carolynakens

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9GE4ZT

Phone: (678) 807-9187

Visit CarolynAkens.com for information on Health Coaching, Raw Food Classes & Workshops, Raw Chef & Instructor Certifications, and my Speaking Engagements.


Send correspondence to: PO Box 11
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

Post Title → CAROLYN'S CORNER on ENERGY PRODUCING FOODS

CAROLYN'S CORNER ON HEALING HERBS

pic from http://www.homestead.org/

Ginger:



•Grated ginger root mixed with diluted lime juice can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce flatulence.


•Ginger supports a healthy cardiovascular system by making platelets less sticky which in turn reduces circulatory problems.


•Ginger is aromatic, pungent, spicy, and is good for nausea, digestive problems, circulation and arthritis.






Cinnamon:


•Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.


•When cinnamon is added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.


•One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.






Alfalfa:


•Has protein and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K. Nutrient analysis demonstrates the presence of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.






Cranberry:


•Useful as a preventative for urinary tract infections.






Dandelion:


•Used to treat liver, gallbladder, kidney and joint problems. Dandelion has also been used to treat poor digestion, water retention, and diseases of the liver, including hepatitis.






Garlic:


•A natural antibiotic! It's antibacterial action is equivalent to 1% penicillin. Garlic fight inflammation, stop infections, kill parasites and restore vitality. Garlic can help heal injuries like bites, cuts and burns, while quite possibly sooth headaches, lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, acne, boils, arthritis, candida, respiratory ailments, the common cold and earaches. It can protect the digestive tract by inhibiting dysentery-causing amoebas and other infections. Studies have shown that garlic may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, help to lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood pressure.




Live & Thrive in Abundant Good Health!


Carolyn Akens


Raw Food Educator, Chef, Health Coach, Speaker


Health Coaching, Speaking Engagements


Classes & Workshops, Raw Food Chef & Instructor Certifications


www.carolynakens.com


info@carolynakens.com


Twitter: www.twitter.com/carolynakens


FaceBook: www.facebook.com/carolynakens


Phone: 770-559-1773


PO Box 11


Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

 
** Wow!! Carolyn, thanks again for a wonderfully, informative post!
Peace and blessings,

Post Title → CAROLYN'S CORNER ON HEALING HERBS

A DEDICATION TO ALL THE NIGHT OWLS

Hola Lovelies,

I began researching this topic late last night, or better yet, early this morning. Maybe around 1:30/2'ish o'clock because I was having trouble falling asleep. I've honestly been struggling to go to bed at a decent time for the past few weeks and I can definitely feel the effects on my body. It's no way that I can exercise when tired because I'll only get sick. Which has lead to the topic of this post.


Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness from which a person can be aroused. In this state, the brain is relatively more responsive to internal stimuli than external stimuli. Sleep is essential for the normal, healthy functioning of the human body. It is a complicated physiological phenomenon that scientists do not fully understand. Sleep is now known to be a dynamic process, and our brains are active during sleep. It affects our physical and mental health, and is essential for the normal functioning of all the systems of our body, including the immune system. The effect of sleep on the immune system affects one’s ability to fight disease and endure sickness.



In humans, it has been demonstrated that the metabolic activity of the brain decreases significantly after 24 hours of sustained wakefulness. Sleep deprivation results in a decrease in body temperature, a decrease in immune system function as measured by white blood cell count (the soldiers of the body), and a decrease in the release of growth hormone. Sleep deprivation can also cause increased heart rate variability.


For our nervous systems to work properly, sleep is needed. Sleep deprivation makes a person drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day. It also leads to impairment of memory and physical performance and reduced ability to carry out mathematical calculations. If sleep deprivation continues, hallucinations and mood swings may develop. Sleep helps humans maintain optimal emotional and social functioning while we are awake by giving rest during sleep to the parts of the brain that control emotions and social interactions.

So here are six reasons to get a good night's sleep, according to Harvard Women's Health Watch:

1. Learning and memory: Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation. In studies, people who’d slept after learning a task did better on tests later.


2. Metabolism and weight: Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite.

3. Safety: Sleep debt contributes to a greater tendency to fall asleep during the daytime. These lapses may cause falls and mistakes such as medical errors, air traffic mishaps, and road accidents.

4. Mood: Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness. Too little sleep can also leave you too tired to do the things you like to do.

5. Cardiovascular health: Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat.

6. Disease: Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer.

 
Peace,

 
**Sources:
Harvard Health Publications of Harvard Medical School
emedicine.com

Post Title → A DEDICATION TO ALL THE NIGHT OWLS

I'M ALIVE!! ALIVE!!

*pic from movie "Young Frankenstein"

Hi Beautiful Ones,

Going back to my journey of eating a high raw/vegan diet, I’ve reintroduced the green juice back into my life.

I’m telling you. If you want instant energy then guzzle down one of these. I had totally forgotten this until I had some the other day. I drank my juice down and, unlike when I drink coffee (Yes, I still do), I felt immediately awake & energized. I'm convinced that the more I increase my green juice intake, the sooner I'll be able to ween myself off the coffee. Or at least drastically down. ;)  I know. It's a personal process.

Turning your nose up to the thought of it? Add an organic granny smith apple (or 2, if needed) and a lemon. Yummy.

So far, I love mixing greens like kale, green lettuce, red lettuce, romaine, a Granny Smith apple and a lemon for my juice. I've delved into adding an herb like parsley or mint. Haven't tried any others just yet. And I'm looking forward to adding garlic to a juice, and trying the darker greens like collards & chard. And yes, ginger definitely puts a little zing into your juice.

I happened upon a pretty straight-forward site on juicing called, The Juicing Book.  I found this site to be quite easy to navigate. And I really love the way they break down all the benefits and components of the vegetable (or fruit). It's definitely worth taking a look at.

Fresh green juice does the body good in so many ways.

• It is full of live, unpastuerized enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
• You get to take in more vegetables by drinking them.
• Digestion & absorption of the nutrients and other goodies is immediate since your body doesn't have to break down food particles.
• Helps to alkalize (healthy pH) the body.
• Delivers chlorophyll to the body which is powerful antioxidant, awesome blood builder and cleanser.

You can read my other posts on green juicing here and here.


Cheers,

Post Title → I'M ALIVE!! ALIVE!!